Anonymous calling is a handy way to protect your privacy. Whether you are making a one-time call where you want to keep your identity hidden or always call anonymously by default, secret calling is easy to arrange. In this article, we explain how to call anonymously, both with an Android phone and an iPhone.

What is anonymous calling?

Anonymous calling means that the recipient of your call does not see your phone number. Instead, ‘Unknown’ or ‘Private number’ is displayed. This can be useful to protect your privacy in business calls, for example, or when contacting strangers. As an anonymous caller, you can ensure that your personal data is not shared.

Why would you call privately?

There are several reasons why people choose to call anonymously:

  • Privacy protection: Prevent your phone number from being saved or shared.
  • Business calls: Keep private and work matters separate
  • Prevent misuse: Avoid your number being saved or used without your permission, for example for spam or unwanted calls.

How do you call anonymously? Set up default anonymous calling

Do you want all your calls to be made automatically without caller ID? Then you can easily set this up on your phone.

For Android smartphones (for example, Samsung):

  • Open the Phone app: Go to the app you use to make calls.
  • Three dots in the top right: Tap the menu in the corner.
  • Choose Settings: Go to ‘Settings’ or ‘Call settings’ and then to ‘Additional services’.
  • Show Caller ID: Select ‘Caller ID’.
  • Choose ‘Hide number’: Slide the slider to the left or select this option.
  • Number now anonymous: All calls will now be displayed as ‘Private’. When you call someone, that person cannot see or find out your phone number.

For iPhone follow the steps below:

  • Go to Settings: Open the settings app.
  • Select ‘Phone’: Go to Show My Caller ID.
  • Turn off caller ID slider: Turn the slider to the left.

One-time anonymous calling

Do you only want to call unknown once? Then follow these steps:

  • Enter a code before the phone number: Use the code #31# before you enter the phone number you want to call. For example: #31#0612345678.
  • Call as usual. The recipient will not see your phone number, but ‘Unknown’ or ‘Private’.

This method works on almost all Android smartphones and iPhones and can also be used for a foreign number (for example: #31#+441234567890).

Always call a specific number anonymously

Do you want to call a specific number anonymously? Then you can also set that up:

  • Open the Contacts app: Go to your saved contacts.
  • Select the contact: Choose the one you want to call anonymously.
  • Adjust settings: Add #31# to the beginning of the phone number and save it.

This way you don’t have to enter the code every time.

I am being called by a private or unknown number

Are you being called by an unknown or private number? Be careful and do not answer immediately if you do not recognize the number. It could be spam, spoofing or even fraud, where people try to steal personal data. Block the number if it is suspicious. Use a spam filter app where possible to prevent unwanted calls. Do you get these types of calls more often? Report it to your provider or an authority such as the Fraud Help Desk.